Reflecting on his time with ACCIONA, Romeo described the experience as “great.” He enjoyed learning new skills, meeting new people and becoming part of the company. What stood out most for him was the working environment: "The environment is nice and quiet… it’s comfortable for me to work."
His daily routine involved setting up his laptop, using Microsoft 365 apps and tools including, Outlook, Teams and Notes, and working on tasks given by his manager, Tatiana. With her support, he also completed an Excel beginner course, explaining, “I got to learn how to use Excel.” One of his proudest moments was receiving his first pay. As he put it,
“When I got paid, that made me feel proud. That’s certainly what I was working toward."
The internship gave Romeo greater confidence about his future and prepared him for what comes next.
“The internship made me more confident in how to do interviews, how to make cover letters and how to update my CV”
He is now focused on pursuing a career in cyber security and credits the Supported Internship Programme for helping him prepare.
“The Supported Internship Programme helped me with the interview and preparing for it and offered support in my work placement during the first month just to see how I’m doing.”
When asked what advice he would give to others starting out, Romeo replied, “Just pretend it’s your usual day, like how you go to college or your work placement. It helps you get familiar with your environment and the people you’re going to work with.”
Tatiana, Romeo’s manager, explained that ACCIONA has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.
“We put people at the centre of everything we do. Offering Romeo a placement was about identifying talent in the local community and creating a meaningful role. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
From the beginning, Romeo impressed her with his positive attitude and willingness to get involved. She described him as adaptable and open to new experiences, whether attending meetings, site visits or community events. Over time she noticed how much his communication skills grew.
“He’s more engaged, asks questions, and even shares ideas for the tasks he’s given. What stood out most is his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and his genuine interest in getting involved.”
The wider team welcomed Romeo and Tatiana observed how naturally he settled in. “He’s grown in confidence and seems genuinely comfortable and engaged in his role.”
For her as a manager, the experience was also rewarding.
“It’s a powerful reminder that not everything is as urgent as it seems. Taking time to support someone properly can be far more rewarding than rushing through a to-do list.”
She also explained how Romeo’s presence sparked conversations about accessibility and inclusion. “Small adjustments can make a big difference.”
What she valued most was witnessing his personal growth.
“The best part has been seeing Romeo gradually open up, making eye contact, speaking more freely, and even sharing a bit of his time outside the office with me. Seeing that trust build was truly special, and it’s something I’ll carry with me. Romeo is a bright, capable young person who I believe will thrive and find his path in this fast-paced world.”
Romeo’s journey shows how a supported internship can open the door to new opportunities, build confidence and help young people take meaningful steps towards their future careers. With the right support and an inclusive workplace, everyone benefits. Romeo’s time at ACCIONA is a clear example of what is possible when ambition meets opportunity.
Applications are now open for next year’s cohort!
If you are a young person interested in joining, or if your organisation would like to host an intern, the team would love to hear from you! Visit the Supported Internship webpage for more information or contact supportedintenships@haringey.gov.uk
